Bédard

Bédard is a surname of French origin, commonly found in Quebec, Canada, and other French-speaking regions. The name is believed to be derived from a diminutive form of the Old French given name "Béart," which itself is related to Germanic elements meaning "bear." Like many surnames, Bédard likely originated as a patronymic or a nickname.

Individuals with the Bédard surname have contributed to various fields. In politics, figures like Jean-Pierre Bédard have served in Canadian public office. In the arts and entertainment, names such as performer Marc Bédard and musician Yvan Bédard are notable. The surname also appears in sports, with athletes like hockey player Jean-François Bédard. Genealogical research indicates a significant presence of the Bédard family in Quebec since the early days of New France. The distribution of the surname reflects historical migration patterns of French colonists.